I hope it works out that you get the channel soon. You are obviously a dedicated fan of the team and deserve to watch the games. I feel for everyone who couldn't get access to the games. It sucks that 3 greedy parties set out on a plan that backfired for reasons that we all might not agree on cost many of us 2 seasons of Rockets and Astros on our TV's.
From 10/30/2013 I love CSN Houston, but from the little I've seen of ROOT, it seems like it'll be just as good. Would they be able to keep the same studio they're currently using, or is that Comcast' property?
Does Root use pitch tracking? The only thing I hate about CSN feed is that they don't have a pitch tracker like Fox does. I forgot, I also hate Alan Ashby, so make that 2 things.
Not sure about the studio, maybe they will announce that. The thing that some are saying will be a loss is the local programming on CSN H. I'm envisioning Root to be more like FSSW was, which is ok by me. I think being on DTV helps with the overlap FSSW (if the teams just went back to tem)had with the Rangers and Astros in Texas that limited the market for the Astros.
Here's a link to ROOT Sports Northwest...looks like lots of programming for Seattle fans there. All Access shows for Mariners and Seahawks during the day...replay of the previous night's game...pre and post game coverage...etc.
I believe the announcers are employed by the teams... whereas the studio guys are employed by the network. Certainly there can be some overlap from time to time, but Brown, Ashby, Ford, Sparky, Worrell, Clyde, Bullard will all be calling games no matter what network it is.
DTV wanted to jump in and turn this into a root network at the very beginning of all this nonsense. The judge's initial rulings, business mergers, etc. all slowed this down. I think once DTV saw the potential to buy this network out that they were never going to negotiate in good faith again after that. Comcast has a good argument for tortious interference and collusion issues, though they probably can't prove any of it.
The all access show done for the Astros right now is great. Its actually much better than the all access show the same network does for the Rockets. Hopefully they can hang on to some of the local talent... Cory Hepola is good, Leila Rahimi is ok. Hopefully they can also keep Julia Morales (although I can't stand it when Ash is trying to "flirt" with her... gives off a creepy vibe).
Does this mean the end of Howard Chen? I was so happy when he was no loner on the Rocket's broadcasts....but now seeing him on the Astros...ugh.
Anyway, Comcast is going to fight this unless there is some sort of sweetener involved for them. They are losing leverage in the marketplace AND future income source if they are bought out.
